New York City metropolitan area football fans entered the season with simple goals. Big Blue fans wanted to still be “in the hunt” by Thanksgiving. Gang Green fans, beaten down by 15-year playoff drought, simply wanted to still have a reason to watch games after Halloween.
One week later, both fanbases have been energized, since for the first time since 2009, your New York “Football” Giants and New York Jets are both 1-0. The cynical New Yorker in me says we should just end the season now. But the football fan in me is excited to see how this plays out.
Welcome to “Mac’s Picks for Week 2.”
Green Bay Packers (0-1) at New York Jets (1-0)
Sunday 1p FOX
QB Jordan Love has led his team to playoff appearances in each of the three seasons since he replaced Aaron Rodgers, but he’s coming off an embarrassing opening day loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The Green Bay Packers led 22-10 before giving up 29 consecutive points to blow the game. They will take the field Sunday without superstar LB Micah Parsons (knee) and starting RB Josh Jacobs (legal issues).
Meanwhile, the New York Jets return home emboldened after a convincing 23-10 opening day win. Now, it’s easy to dismiss the win by saying the Tennessee Titans looked inept, but the Jets dominated in all three phases. More important than the result, Gang Green looked like a well-coached, competent, competitive football team. Will the momentum travel from Nashville to East Rutherford? If it does, they will be 2-0 for the first time since 2015.
New York Jets 27 Green Bay Packers 20
Mac’s Pick — Jets (+3.5)
New York Giants (1-0) at Los Angeles Rams (0-1)
Monday 8:15p ABC/ESPN
When the NFL scheduled the New York Giants for back-to-back prime time appearances to open the 2026 season, the decision was assumed to be based on the star power of their coach and high-profile players. However, the Giants legitimately looked ready for prime time in their Sunday night 28-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Now, they get a chance to prove it was not a fluke against the preseason Super Bowl favorite Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football.
A maturing Jaxson Dart will have to take another step against a stronger opponent, though the Rams will be without Myles Garrett after his knee scope. LA, as a whole, was humbled by the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. While I expect 2025 MVP Matthew Stafford to return to form after last week’s poor performance, I don’t think the oddsmakers are giving the Giants enough respect. Over the summer, this appeared to be a lopsided matchup. Now, it looks like the NFL got it right.
Los Angeles Rams 24 New York Giants 21
Mac’s Pick — Giants (+7)
MAC’S PICKS SEASON RECORD
Versus the point spread: 2-0
On the moneyline: 2-0
MAC’S PICKS DISCLAIMER
Mac’s Picks is written for entertainment purposes only. While “Mac” comes from gambling lineage, he knows he can’t actually predict the future. Therefore, use this information at your own risk.
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